Parenting a child who is struggling can leave you feeling exhausted, unsure and alone. Maybe your child’s behavior changed after a hard experience, maybe everyday routines have turned into battles, or maybe you simply want a closer, calmer relationship. Parenting support gives you practical tools and a deeper understanding of your child’s needs, so connection, not conflict, becomes the center of family life.

Is parenting support right for you?

Parents often reach out when:

• A child’s behavior has become hard to manage at home or school
• Their child has been through trauma, loss, adoption, foster care or a major transition
• They feel disconnected from their child, or bonding has been difficult
• They want help with co-regulation: staying calm so their child can calm down
• Their own past experiences make certain parenting moments especially hard
• Parents and caregivers disagree on how to respond

What to expect

1. Assessment. We start with your concerns and goals, and often a structured observation of you and your child together.
2. Understanding your child. You learn what your child’s behavior may be communicating, based on their development and history.
3. Tailored interventions. Dr. Hourmanesh designs an approach for your family, using the methods below.
4. Practice and coaching. You try new skills in session, with support and feedback, then at home.
5. Review. We track what’s working and adjust.

Parent coaching sessions are 55 minutes and $250 (→ Fees & Policies). Sessions can include just parents, or parents and child together.

Approaches we use

• Marschak Interaction Method (MIM): a structured, play-based observation that shows the strengths and needs in the parent-child relationship
• Theraplay activities: playful, attachment-focused activities that build trust, engagement and regulation
• PCIT-informed techniques: play-based skills drawn from Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for warmth, clear limits and cooperation
• Sand tray and play therapy consultation, so parents understand and support their child’s therapy (→ Sand Tray, Play Therapy)
• With your permission, we can contact your child’s teachers and other family members for additional information about your child’s behavior and social and emotional functioning.

Why work with Dr. Hourmanesh

Dr. Hourmanesh is a Utah licensed psychologist, Nationally Certified School Psychologist, with a Master’s in Education.  She is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor with training in Theraplay, Marschak Interaction Method (MIM), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP). She also understands how a parent’s own history can show up in parenting and offers individual support when that helps (→ About, Individual Trauma Therapy).

Frequently asked questions

Does my child need to attend? Not always. Some sessions are for parents only; others, such as Theraplay and MIM, include your child.

Is this only for families who have experienced trauma? No. Parenting support helps with everyday challenges too, though it is especially valuable after hard experiences.

Can both parents attend? Yes, and we encourage it when possible. Co-parents and other caregivers are welcome.

Is parent coaching available in Farsi? Yes.

Build a closer, calmer relationship with your child. Request an appointment or call (801) 441-8943.